CLEAN & EFFICIENT CRAWLSPACES 101

Vermin damaged and displaced insulation under homes is commonplace and a frequent discovery during the home inspection process.  Ensuring that insulation is properly attached to the underside of the home will take care of gravity displaced insulation.  Maintaining a proactive pest control regimen will help prevent vermin damaged insulation.  Check with your local utility provider before reinsulating as they may be offering attractive rebate incentives.  

If you have questions or comments about home inspections in general, tweet me (@AIHomeInspect).   

Fun Facts Friday

Botanically speaking, cucumbers are a fruit, but they are used as a vegetable. Similar to tomatoes.

Michigan ranks 1st in the nation for production of pickling cucumbers and 4th in the nation for fresh cucumbers.

The term “cool as a cucumber” is actually derived from the cucumber’s ability to cool the temperature of the blood.

Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day, just one cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc.

FIRE SEPARATION BARRIER

Open holes in areas of sheetrock walls or ceilings that connect the home to the garage must be sealed for fire safety reasons.  The sheetrock walls and ceilings separating the home and garage are considered a fire separation barrier, that must be maintained for safety reasons in the instance of a fire.  The fire separation barrier, in case of a fire, would slow down the fire’s progress throughout the home and allow for less damage (before firemen can put it out).  

ASBESTOS CEMENT SIDING

Although its manufacture was banned in the U.S. by the EPA in 1973, asbestos cement siding is still around, and inspectors are likely to encounter it on their inspections of exterior cladding.  While its hazards are limited if this material is undamaged, proper maintenance is key for avoiding structural issues related to water intrusion, as well as the health risks associated with damage to this type of building product. 

INSECT ACTIVITY & DAMAGE

Are some of your exterior wood elements being attacked by wood destroying insects?  This is common in the Pacific Northwest, but doesn’t mean you should ignore it.  Insects such as anobiid beetles can work away at damaging the structural integrity of your home leaving exit holes and underlying damage in their wake.   It’s all about moisture; elevated moisture attracts wood destroying insects leading to structural damage of building components.  Keeping exterior elements properly sealed and dry will go a long way towards preventing wood destroying insects from damaging your home. 

STANDALONE SATURDAYS: PEACEFUL ALONE TIME

As a home inspector, I’m often on the road, traveling around San Juan, Island, Whatcom, and Skagit counties. Along the way, I’m often awed by what I see. On the first Saturday of the month, I plan to share some of these great scenes with you. 

I invite you to share your Northwest Washington imagery, too! Take your picture or video showing why you appreciate the region, tag it with #AllIslandsLife, and share via social media.

If you have questions or comments about home inspections in general, tweet me (@AIHomeInspect).

Fun Facts Friday

In the United States, more tomatoes are consumed than any other single fruit or vegetable.

Tomatoes increase in weight as they ripen, even after harvesting.

There are over 10,000 varieties of tomato, these come in a variety of colours including pink, purple, black, yellow and white.

Tomatoes originally came from South America, where their Aztec name translated to plump thing with a navel.

May Newsletter: Structural Issues

Now presenting this month’s All Islands Argus! This month, we discuss structural issues—including an exclusive interview with Sturdy Engineering Corporation.  Sign up for the monthly newsletter today!  Check out this month’s newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/allislandsinspections.com/structural-issues-remodeling-6228011

SATURDAY REVIEW: THANKS ALL ISLANDS HOME INSPECTIONS!

Google Rating: *****

“Tim and All Island Inspections exceeded all of our expectations for a quick and thorough inspection of our first home purchase! Tim clearly knew the in’s and out’s of the inspection and documented and recorded absolutely everything. He is thorough, professional, fair, and informative. Tim was willing to spend time in-person reviewing his work immediately after and answering the many questions we had (and we had a lot as first time homebuyers). The final report included not only his written findings, but pictures, videos, and links to further information. We can even make a request list from the report regarding issues to help us keep track and he is available for any further questions that arise before closing. Any nervousness going into the inspection was quickly alleviated by Tim’s knowledge and professionalism. We are way more confident with our first purchase and are grateful for Tim’s honesty and work!”

-Douglas Rea Jr. 

Fun Facts Friday!

Coffee is consumed in such great quantities, it is the world’s 2nd largest traded commodity, surpassed only by crude oil. It is our most beloved beverage after water. It’s worth well over $100 billion worldwide.

A coffee bean is a seed of the coffee plant, and is the source for coffee. It is the pit inside the red or purple fruit often referred to as a cherry. Even though they are seeds, they are referred to as ‘beans’ because of their resemblance to true beans.

Hawaii is the only American state that grows coffee.

Coffee stays warm 20% longer when you add cream.